John Deere Updates 2014 Gator Utility Vehicles

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The 2014 John Deere Gator XUV Line-Up

John Deere has announced updates to their 2014 Gator Utility vehicles which include safety as well as work performance improvements to their XUV line.??These updates include:

Operator Side Retention (OSR) is now standard on all Operator Protective Structure (OPS) equipped Gator utility vehicles. A net OSR is part of the base configuration for the HPX, XUV heavy-duty??(625i, 825i, 855D), and mid-duty (550, 550 S4)??models. Stylized poly doors can be ordered in lieu of nets for certain models. The nets allow for easy one-handed operation, provide great visibility and allow for accessible ingress and egress from the utility vehicle. The stylized poly doors feature automotive style handles, color-matched panels, and a 90 degree opening for easy entry and exit.

Warn?? ProVantage 3,500 or 4,500 lb. winch

The heavy-duty line of XUVs features a new digital display with a glow plug indicator light (diesel), a flashing water temperature icon, and a power steering indicator (if equipped). New illuminated dash switches provide better nighttime visibility.

An ag management solutions system (AMS) integration kit is available for the heavy-duty models. This kit allows a customer to mount a StarFire receiver and GS display (both sold separately) to the Gator to assist with boundary mapping, flagging field obstacles, and soil sampling.

The mid-duty line of XUVs is an improved braking system that delivers 26 percent reduction in brake pedal effort and improved operator feedback.

Learn More: ??JohnDeere.com

Comment:?? While the high-end recreational vehicle segment gets a lot of attention with a seemingly continuous stream of vehicles with more horsepower and off-road capabilities, manufacturers such as John Deere, Kubota, Club Car, Toro and others are making the work vehicle segment highly competitive as well. A number of new vehicle introductions as well as product line updates have hit the market in the last year, improving vehicle performance and adding capabilities.

Iowa Bill Addresses Changing UTV Market

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The House Natural Resources committee passed a bill that changes the definition of ???off road utility vehicles??? in the Iowa Code. With input from a range of stakeholders, the bill addresses changes in the UTV market as new models with different characteristics and capabilities have out grown the existing UTV definitions in the code. The bill creates three different off-road utility vehicle definitions based on vehicle dry weight and width.

1. Off-road utility vehicle type 1 ??? an off-road utility vehicle with a dry weight of 1,200 pounds or less and a width of 50 inches or less.

2. Off-road utility vehicle type 2 ??? an off-road utility vehicle with a dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less and a width of 60 inches or less. This will include the Polaris RANGER, John Deere Gator and Arctic Cat Prowler.

3. Off-road utility vehicle type 3 ??? an off-road utility vehicle with a dry weight of more than 2,000 pounds or a width of more than 65 inches, or both. This will include the Polaris BRUTUS, Kubota RTV and Bobcat 3600.

The new definitions will allow newer vehicles to be sold and used legally in Iowa.

I followed up with Joel Fry, the Representative who sponsored the bill, about what was the likelihood that the bill would pass and when but I have not heard back from him.??Learn more: ??OsceoliaIowa.com

Update on EVDrive’s Terra-Torque-Technology

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Marc Cesare

A look at that the front wheel motors in a Kawasaki Teryx modfied by EVDrive with their Terra Torque Drive.

A recent post discussed EVDrive’s Terra-Torque-Drive technology and it’s demonstration in a Kawasaki Teryx4. I thought the electric UTV technology, which among other capabilities enabled the demonstrator vehicle to perform zero-radius turns, could be an important development in the UTV market. I followed up with a call and fairly lengthy discussion with Steve Tice,COO, President, Co-Founder of EVDrive to talk more about their technology and plans for the UTV market. I put the information into an article in the Tech content section of this website. Learn more: ??EVDrive Terra-Torque-Drive

LSV Taxi Service Seeks Private-Public Partnership

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Marc Cesare

In Gulfport, FL a group of investors behind a LSV taxi service called GetGo is asking for some funding from the city. The concept behind GetGo is to provide transportation in the downtown area where parking problems can occur during certain peak times. The LSVs would be leased to drivers who would not charge fares but would earn income from tips. Revenue would also be generated from seven advertising placements on each vehicle. GetGo, which will be getting funding from the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce and Gulfport Merchants Association, would be formed as a non-profit and be responsible for maintenance and liability and property insurance. The city and the other funders would each have a seat on the company’s board. While there are some reservations about public funds for a service that might compete with private taxis, the city will investigate the possibility of funding the venture further. Investors are asking the city to provide $10,000 to $11,000 annually. ??Learn more: ??TheGrabber.com

Comment:?? This is an interesting approach which could create a model for LSV taxi services that could be applied in other cities. In the past, these type of no-fare, advertising and/or tip based services have run into some obstacles. Often, it is the existing taxi services or local officials who are concerned about mixing LSVs with other vehicles on local streets. A typical compromise is to limit the LSVs to a certain part of the downtown where their low speed, zero emissions and low noise characteristics are put to the best use.

UTVs Vandalized In New Orleans Park

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Marc Cesare

Two of the five UTVs recently damaged by vandals at a park in New Orleans.

Vandals recently broke into a maintenance garage at City Park in New Orleans, LA and took five utility vehicles for a joy ride. However, it was no joy ride for park officials who had to deal with over $50,000 worth of damage to the vehicles and are now down to only one vehicle for the 1,300 acre park. The vandals broke lights, windows and front ends, as well as, tearing up the grounds of the park. They also drove some of the vehicles into a lagoon in the park. Two of the vehicles were only a week old. The vandals had hot wired the vehicles.??Learn more: ??WWLTV.com

Comment:?? While this is a story local to New Orleans, I thought I’d post an example of some of the thefts and vandalism surrounding UTVs, and raise awareness of the issue. While I don’t have any specific statistics on UTV thefts (if anyone has some sources please pass them along), my sense from a lot of the news stories I’ve seen over the past couple of years is that unfortunately this activity is on the rise. Given the increasing popularity and sales of UTVs, this should not ??be unexpected. While sometimes it is straight out theft, other times it is a joy ride that can end in extensive damage to the vehicle. I would like to hear what deterrents or steps you take as a private, commercial or municipal UTV owner to safeguard your vehicles.

Polaris Reports Another Quarter of Strong Results

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new RZR XP 1000 is the fastest-selling side-by-side in Polaris history.

Polaris reported another strong quarter of results for the Q4 2013 driven by off-road vehicles, motorcycles, PG&A and international sales. Overall, sales for the quarter were $1.08 billion, up 20% from the prior year period. Net income for the fourth quarter was up 23% to $108.7 million, yielding record earnings per share of $1.56, up 26%. Full year 2013 sales increased 18% to just under $3.8 billion. International and adjacent market businesses each grew 29% and 79%, respectively. Full year net income from continuing operations was $381 million. Some of the highlights of earnings report and conference call with a focus on small, task-oriented vehicles include:

Off-Road Vehicles division which includes UTVs and ATVs increased in revenue in Q4 16% driven by strength in side-by-sides, particularly RZRs, Defense and Commercial.
For calendar year 2013, ORV completed another strong year with revenue up 13%.
Polaris gained market share again in the fourth quarter and for the full year 2013
Polaris is #1 in the North American ATV industry, with 2013 retail sales up mid-single digits in an industry that was essentially flat.
All Model Year ’14 new product introductions are selling extremely well and seasonality is now approaching.
The new RZR XP 1000 is the fastest-selling side-by-side in company history and the XP 4 is built on that RZR XP sales momentum.
Polaris ORV commercial revenues increased by over 120% in 2013.
Both Bobcat and Brutus retail improved notably in the fourth quarter but management still sees significant missed opportunities in Polaris in dealer execution and customer development opportunities. To drive improvement in 2014, they added a dedicated infield commercial sales force to assist dealers in landing local B2B and B2G business and also initiated a partnership with Ariens.
The Defense division, which sells mostly off-road ATVs and UTVs has momentum with a strong 4th quarter and an ongoing winning streak for recent contracts.
Small vehicles, were up 25% to 30%, which includes a full year of Aixam acquisition.
PG&A sales also rose 33%. Growth came from every category, with Accessories up 30%, Parts up 24% and apparel up over 150%, led by an outstanding first year from KLIM.
2013 industry conditions remained tepid with ORV industry down upper single digits.
Polaris side-by-side retail sales growth moderated just a bit in the fourth quarter, but increased low double digits for 2013, outpacing the side-by-side industry which grew an estimated 10% for the year.
ORV is expected to grow in the high single-digits percentage range in 2014.
Management anticipates aggressive competition in the side-by-side market, with increased promotions possibly being more of a challenged than new products.
The new Sportsman ACE is expected to add incremental revenues with a small amount of cannibalization of existing ORV sales.
Management is very happy with how the numerous product introductions have been received in the market.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

Comment:?? Polaris continues to churn out new models and in general execute very well. It will be interesting to see how well the Sportsman ACE will sell, to whom and whether or not it will create a new category of vehicles. Management’s comments indicate that the side-by-side market may be slowing a little in the coming year. This could create a more competitive environment in the market as the pie will be growing at a slower pace than in the past few years and manufacturers recently added new offerings to go after key segments.

EVDrive Demonstrates Electric Drive Technology For UTVs

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Marc Cesare

A look at that the front wheel motors in a Kawasaki Teryx modfied by EVDrive with their Terra Torque Drive.

A programmable system with motors for each wheel, a UTV with the EVDrive system provides great handling characteristics, including a zero turn radius.

A programmable system with motors for each wheel, the EVDrive system can provide a UTV with great handling characteristics, including the ability to execute a zero radius turn.

EVDrive has demonstrated their Terra Torque Drive electric motor technology for use in off-road powersports vehicles. The??electric 4-wheel, 4-motor torque vectoring technology was put into a stock??4-seat Kawasaki Teryx4. The??UTV demonstrator uses four sealed liquid-cooled EVDrive EVD35 35kW/47hp peak drive sub-systems, de-tuned to ~30kW/hp each or delivering a total of ~160hp/120kW peak. At each motor shaft, ~66 ft-lbs (89 N??m) peak torque is delivered. As currently configured, 726 ft-lbs (984 N??m) peak torque is delivered which allows the vehicle to perform zero radius turns. This basically means the vehicle can spin in place. The demonstrator has a top speed of 45 mph which can be reached in 4 seconds with good traction. With software controlled motors on each wheel, the wheels can be programmed to independently turn at any speed or direction which allows for some great handling possibilities. Additional traction modes are planned including ??auto dynamic terrain type posi-traction control, variable inclination angle offset descent control, zero radius turns on incline, emergency 4-wheel panic braking/stop and boulder climbing. The system also has regenerative braking.

To modify the vehicle??EVDrive removed the gas engine and AWD mechanical drivetrain and put in their 160hp (119 kW) peak total version of the Terra-Torque-Drive. According to Co-Founder and COO, Steve Tice “??Off-road UTVs are ideally suited to our torque vectoring technology where only single fixed speed reduction is required per motor-wheel to attain 55-75 mph top-speeds with the type of high RPM brushless motor technology we employ.” The company also has a single-cylinder, 20 hp range extender engine which can be added to the system.??According to EVDrive the system with range extender allows for:

Highest efficiency 4wd drivetrain on any UTV today (least mechanical losses);
Dynamic torque vectoring modes both for high and low speed operation, e.g. industry unique ???Zero Radius Turning??? and high speed active torque vectoring allows for better and safer handling off-road;
Torque and power from -100 to +100% can be dynamically sent to any wheel, in either direction, in any combination, at any time.
Series hybrid with optimized internal combustion engine powered REX to allow for longer range matching or exceeding gas powered UTVs sold today.
120vac power from onboard battery pack, backed up with the REX for general utility use;
Lower cost to maintain and operate. Superior fuel economy, estimated average 50-100% better, and for short trips, no fuel may be needed at all. Plug-in to standard electric car chargers;
Superior straight-line and rough loose material, curvy trail acceleration;
Greater river depth traversal possible due to completely sealed liquid cooled e-motors/power electronics; and
Torque vectoring software platform allows new traction capabilities to be supported like ???apps??? without costly mechanical NRE expenses to the OEM; OEM can provide customers software updates for new capabilities.

Learn more: ??GreenCarCongress??(includes video of vehicle in action)

Sportsman ACE From Polaris May Open New Off-Road Vehicle Category

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Marc Cesare

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

The overhead view shows the rider cockpit and overall narrowness of the vehicle.

Polaris recently introduced the Sportsman ACE, an ATV/UTV hybrid vehicle that, if successful, could launch a whole new category of off-road vehicles. The Sportsman ACE??is a single-passenger vehicle with a sit-in chassis. The design combines the small size, responsiveness and maneuverability of an ATV with the more comfortable rider position and safety features of a UTV. According to??David Longren, vice president of Polaris??? Off-Road Division. ???In creating the Sportsman ACE, we wanted to not only appeal to current off-road enthusiasts, but develop a vehicle that brings new customers to off-road recreation. We accomplished this by coupling an easy-to-use, nimble platform with a confident and secure ride that, together, provides drivers of all experience levels a new way to experience the outdoors.??? Some of the key features of the vehicle include:

Trail-capable and easily-transportable 48 in. width
10.25 in/26.04 cm of ground clearance and 9.5 in/24.1 cm of rear travel
Fully independent rear suspension (IRS) outfitted with performance, twin tube shocks featuring adjustable preload
32 horsepower ProStar??? Electronic Fuel Injected Engine
ROPS cab frame
Bucket seat with three-point seatbelt
Integrated 2.8 gal/10.6 liter semi-dry, front storage compartment, and a high-capacity Lock & Ride?? cargo box with rack extenders and rear tie down rails combine for 575 lbs of cargo capacity
1,500 lb towing capacity
Polaris On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system
Optional roof, door, windshield, tires and other accessories
Winch ready

The MSRP for the base vehicle is $7,499 and??it will be available in White Lightning at dealerships in February.

Learn more: ??Polaris.com

Comment:?? This is another example of why Polaris is the leader in this market. They continue to keep churning out new vehicles, whether slight variations of existing models to target sub-segments or improve performance in existing segments, or, as in the case Sportsman ACE, to break entirely new ground. From a marketing standpoint this vehicle could be very versatile in attracting a range of buyers. At such a low price point compared to UTVs it can definitely attract the buyer with less money to spend or someone who wants to try out trail-riding but is maybe reluctant to spend the money on a more expensive UTV. Thus the Sportsman ACE provides an entry point to new customers who can move into UTVs later.

It also offers riders who want access to narrow trails a more affordable alternative to some of the newer, narrower and pricey high-performance UTVs. While some areas of the country have wide-open trails, in many areas only vehicles the size of an ATV can access trails. Potentially existing UTV owners could also purchase a Sportsman ACE as a second vehicle for riding narrower trails or for solo riding. Another potential market could be farmers and other commercial users of ATVs looking for more comfort, safety and payload in a similarly priced vehicle. In the long term, this vehicle could become a replacement for the ATV category, offering a more comfortable and safer alternative to existing ATVs designs.

Star EV Launches New Electric Utility Vehicle Models

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new heavy duty electric utility vehicle from Star EV

Star EV recently launched a new lineup of electric utility vehicles for commercial and industrial use. The U series HA 1 vehicles come in a number of configurations and feature cabs from Curtis Industries. The vehicles are available with a 48-volt electric drivetrain with a 5kW (6.7hp) DC motor or a 72-volt drivetrain with a 6.7kW (9hp) AC motor. The vehicles have a 2,200 lb cargo load capacity. Other key features include:

400 amp (DC) or 500 amp (AC) Curtis controller
4 wheel hydraulic brakes
Seating for 2
Fold-down bed with tailgate
Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals
Horn, reverse beeper and parking brake
19.5 mph top speed or 20-25 mph with the LSV configuration
Heavy duty bed liner and full chassis undercoating

Available options include:

LSV configuration
AGM batteries
Battery filling system
Heater/defroster
Beacon light
LED roof mounted lights
Enclosed aluminum boxes
Ladder racks

The rear cargo area can be customized with different types of beds and enclosures.

Learn more: ??Starev.com

Comment:?? GEM and now Star EV have come out with new electric utility vehicles with a heavier payload. Both feature AC drive systems as well, while the GEM eM1400 does not offer an LSV version. For a new research report on the college market, I spoke with a fleet manager who was looking for an electric UTV with an increased payload. If his interview is any indicator, this market segment is looking to use these electric utility vehicles in more specific applications than just general maintenance and therefore require some more capabilities like higher payloads. In the college market at least, a LSV configuration is often a desired option. If manufacturers can produce electric utility vehicles that can perform and meet these new demands, it starts opening up even more market potential.

Golf Car Companies Pursue Work UTV Segment with New Vehicles

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new Cushman Hauler Pro with a 72-volt AC drivetrain.

Carryall 2 from Club Car

Faced with slow or no growth in their primary market, fleet golf cars, Club Car and E-Z-GO are pursuing higher growth opportunities in the commercial and consumer work UTV segments. To do this both companies have recently producing revamped product offerings. Club Car has come out with their new Carryall line of vehicles and E-Z-GO is attacking their market with the new Cushman Pro Hauler. The Pro Hauler uses a 72-volt AC drivetrain to provide longer runtime at golf courses and other maintenance environments. The whole Carryall line has been redesigned to appeal to a wide range of consumer and commercial customers. ??Learn more: ??The Augusta Chronicle

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